Credit Card Return Protection, Explained
What it does
If you buy something, change your mind, and the retailer refuses the return within its window, return protection lets you get reimbursed by the card, typically within 90 days of purchase, up to a per-item cap (often around $300) and an annual maximum. You usually send the item to the benefits administrator after the claim is approved.
Return vs purchase protection
They are easy to confuse. Purchase protection covers a new item that is damaged or stolen shortly after you buy it. Return protection covers an item that is simply unwanted and that the store will not take back. Different problems, different benefits.
A shrinking perk
Return protection has become rare; American Express removed it from its consumer cards, and it was never universal. Do not choose a card for it, but if a card you hold still has it, it is a nice fallback for strict no-return retailers. Check your benefits guide to see whether yours offers it and the exact limits.
Frequently asked questions
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